What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
menial
Example
I had to do some menial tasks like filing papers and making coffee. [menial: adjective]
Example
She worked her way up from doing menial jobs to becoming a manager. [menial: noun]
servile
Example
He was criticized for his servile attitude towards his boss. [servile: adjective]
Example
She refused to be servile to her husband and stood up for herself. [servile: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Menial is more commonly used than servile in everyday language. Menial is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while servile is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between menial and servile?
Both menial and servile are typically associated with a negative or informal tone. However, servile may be considered more formal due to its less common usage and more specific meaning.